Intelligentsia Black Cat

[Schielke]

I recetly picked up some Black Cat blend for the first time while I was up in Vancouver recently.

My wife and I totally love this coffee and see the supply dwindling. I know you can order it from Intelligentsia online, but would like to find something similar and local. We used to use Vivace beans exclusively, but the Black Cat is so much better suited to our Drip Machine.

Any suggestions for Seattle?

Thanks!

Ben

[phaelon56]

Hmmmm... I have not yet had a chance to try Black Cat myself but I can tell you that the Vivace blends are generally very much optimized for espresso and may not translate as well to drip or press coffee.

I'm not personally a big fan of Zoka's standard espresso blend (the one they use in the store) nor am I enamored of Caffe Vita's del Sol espresso blend. Both of those places run great and huighly professional operations but the blends just aren't a good fit for my palate - YMMV.

Espresso blends are so subjective... bu I think three best candidates to test initially would be Lighthouse, Hines and Victrola. They all roast and blend their own and have different styles but all are worh trying.

[Schielke]

Thanks Owen,

I guess I will just have to make the rounds. I'll start with Hines since I know they have a good drip coffee program there.

[Mooshmouse]

How local is local? If you're willing to order from Oregon, try Stumptown Coffee Roasters. Their Hair Bender Blend and Finca el Injerto are both wonderful.

[vengroff]

Specialty's is a San Francisco based chain with a couple of shops in downtown Seattle. I know they brew Intelligentsia, but I have no idea if they sell the beans.

[hopkin]

Victrola Coffee - 411 15th Avenue East, Capitol Hill www.victrolacoffee.com

Hines Public Market Coffee - 2243 Eastlake Ave East